Ursuline’s Davidson among YSU hires

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

More changes came to Youngstown State women’s basketball with three new coaching hires, headlined by former Ursuline High School girls basketball coach, Courtney Davidson.

While Davidson will have new scenery and a new team around her as the director of women’s basketball operations, she gets to stay in her hometown of Youngstown, where she’s always wanted to be.

“It’s a blessing to be able to stay in my hometown and get a great opportunity,” Davidson said. “It’s always been a dream and these opportunities don’t come often.”

Davidson brings Division I experience from her time playing at Michigan State, coaching experience from Ursuline, and operations experience from her time at Eastern Gateway Community College.

All of that experience makes her a well-rounded fit for her duties as director of basketball operations, according to recently hired YSU head coach John Barnes. Davidson’s duties will include coordinating team travel, overseeing an annual golf outing, film exchange, serving as an academic liason, and assessing the team’s equipment and apparel needs.

“We are very fortunate to bring Courtney on board,” Barnes said. “Her experience in the Big Ten as a player and the fact that she’s well-known in the Youngstown community made it an easy choice to hire her.”

Along with Davidson, the other two coaching hires are Andrew Crane, who will serve as assistant coach and recruiting coordinator, and Brenna Banktson, who will also be an assistant.

Crane, who was an assistant at Cleveland State last season, comes to YSU with a year of experience in the Horizon League, and six total seasons of college coaching experience.

As an assitant, Crane will focus on recruiting, opponent scouting, and help with game and practice preparation.

Banktson brings two years of experience as a director of operations with Western Michigan and Kent State to YSU.

Banktson will be in charge of overseeing the program’s camp series and community service activities, assisting in guard development, serving as the compliance liason, recruiting student-athletes, scouting opponents, and helping with practice and game preparation.

“I’m very excited about this group of assistant coaches,” Barnes said. “They all bring a lot of experience and enthusiuasm to the program. I look forward to working with them on a daily basis.”